Yesterday, the net was abuzz with rumours that Google was dropping Microsoft’s Windows in favour of OSX and Linux, claiming security issues. Whether or not the legend is true, Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc has already issued a response, calling the situation ‘ironic’ and claiming that it’s doing ‘a better job’ at security than the others.
When it comes to security, even hackers admit we’re doing a better job making our products more secure than anyone else. And it’s not just the hackers; third party influentials and industry leaders like Cisco tell us regularly that our focus and investment continues to surpass others.
Even hackers admit it! Well, then. LeBlanc goes on to bullet-list ways Microsoft totally rules in security, and points out that as Mac use continues to soar, so will potential security threats. To be honest, as a Mac user, I kinda lie awake at night and worry about that, myself. But hey, if Google thinks it’s the best move for their staff, who am I to give a damn.
I highly recommend you check out the comments of LeBlanc’s post – possibly one of the most entertaining Mac vs PC conflicts I’ve read in a long, long while.
And just when I thought everyone was starting to get along.
[Via The Windows Blog]
Too late, Microsoft has their days counted.
Well considering MS has been restructuring NT (Windows underpinnings from XP up) to more closely resemble the architecture of Linux, and OSX in order to improve their security; I tend not to worry to much about it with my Macintosh computers. Bear in mind that Unix, the basis for Linux and OSX has been around much longer than Windows DOS or NT based OS’. Unix already sweated through security problems, hackers, and the like before it was a glimmer in Windows’ eye. I think people forget about the Unix underpinnings of OSX when they talk about security. OSX came with a free AV program called ClamAV and a configureable firewall before Windows came with either. Windows is still really the youngest, newest operating system. Considering how much money they get, MS operating systems should be WAY further along than they are.
Here here Alex, here here.
Basically, the only way you are going to get a virus on a Mac is if your stupid enough to download one – in which case, you don’t deserve to be using a Mac.
I found it hilarious that in “the response” from Brandon LeBlanc that he suggested keeping Automatic Updates switched on. Isn’t that one of the ways hackers/viruses/whatever install malware onto your PC? Bloody Windows automatic updates completely screwed up my last machine!
I use a PC (shame on me, I really want a Mac) with no anti-virus and automatic updates switched OFF. Oh and what do you know, no viruses.
No matter what OS your using, a bit of common sense on the part of the general public would go a long way. Like actually reading what it is your installing!
Cheers Ty
Laura I’m not sure where you heard that about automatic updates? I might be wrong since I don’t keep up with the latest developments in the Windows community anymore, but I would think turning off automatic updates would actually put you at a greater risk since you would not be receiving the latest security patches as soon as they are released.
Please correct me if I’m wrong though. I switched to Mac OS X about 3 years ago (and I haven’t looked back) so I’m out of the loop.